La Plata Electric Association annual meeting May 11

By Indiana ReedSpecial to The SUN

Results of director elections in three of four districts of La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) will be announced at the electric cooperative’s annual meeting, Saturday, May 11, at Sky Ute Casino and Resort, Ignacio.

The annual meeting is free and open to all LPEA members in-good-standing. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the business meeting commencing at 10:30. A complimentary luncheon, catered by Sky Ute, follows the meeting.

In addition to a review of the business of the cooperative and director election results, the meeting will feature keynote speaker Kent Singer, executive director, Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA), the trade association supporting the rural electric cooperatives in Colorado, including LPEA. Singer has served as CREA’s executive director since January 1, 2010, prior to which he was CREA’s general counsel, representing the association in public utility and legislative matters.

LPEA director election ballots were mailed to cooperative members on April 19 and must be returned by 4 p.m., Friday, May 10, to FredrickZink & Associates, the independent, Durango-based CPA firm retained by LPEA to tally the ballots utilizing La Plata County’s official ballot counting equipment. If not submitting ballots by mail, members can vote at the annual meeting prior to 10:30 a.m.

The approximately 7,700 LPEA members in Archuleta County — District 1 — will elect a representative to the board from a field of two: incumbent Lindon Stewart and new candidate Mark Garcia.

LPEA members who register at the annual meeting will receive a $5 credit on their electric bill plus are eligible for a wide array of door prizes. Sky Ute Casino and Resort is located at 14324 Colo. 172 N., Ignacio. The LPEA annual meeting will be held in the event center to the rear of the resort, and volunteer parking attendants will direct members to the most convenient parking. Additionally, golf carts will be available to assist those who have difficulty walking. The Sky Ute telephone number is (970) 563-7777.